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Oakland Raiders: Ranking the Top 10 receivers in the draft

By Austin Gayle

Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) scores on a ten-yard catch past the defense by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Jordan Sterns (13) and cornerback Kevin Peterson (1) in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) scores on a ten-yard catch past the defense by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Jordan Sterns (13) and cornerback Kevin Peterson (1) in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Michael Thomas (3) is tackled by diving Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Nick Watkins in the second half during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Michael Thomas (3) is tackled by diving Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Nick Watkins in the second half during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Michael Thomas, Ohio State

At 6’3”, 212 pounds, former Ohio State wide receiver Michael Thomas has an ideal combination of size and speed to play as an outside receiver at the next level, but his lack of elite quickness and burst forces him to rely on his length and footwork as a route runner to create separation. With just two years of experience as a starter with the Buckeyes, Thomas still needs to perfect his technique and improve as a run blocker, but he has the potential to develop into a strong possession receiver if he can continue to find ways to create separation without great acceleration.

Thomas could have an immediate impact given natural ability to catch the football, and he has proven that he can take advantage of his size in the red zone by leaping over defenders and catching the ball at it’s highest point.

According to CFBStats.com, Thomas accumulated 110 receptions for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Ohio State.

Given that Oakland isn’t necessarily in the market for a possession receiver on the outside, Thomas might not be in the cards for them in the second round, but his intangibles and overall potential as a developmental prospect could have him off the board as early as the first round.

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